Originally Posted by
misterbean
Not official yet but seems credible enough to discuss:
AA to End PHL-TLV
http://www.airliners.net/aviation-fo....main/6478798/
Not discussed there yet is the possible effect TK had on this route. I assume it has a similar effect on LY on TLV-USA, although the loyal LY flyers, especially with it being TK will not bail
TK does not serve PHL. It is more likely:
that AA realizes that it can push partners onto its joint-venture partners, BA & IA, and make the same money. Actually more because they won't have their bird sitting ideal all day long at TLV nor have the security costs at PHL;
Passengers dislike connecting at PHL, even more than at LHR. With US it was the only choice. But now with the AA merger, passengers to/from other than PHL can fly nonstop from 22 different cities to LHR and connect there.
US/AA/BA now run 4x day PHL-LHR.
I also wonder what impact all the Iran deal talk might have on the market. Those worried about the deal thinking it won't be as safe to travel to Israel; those in favor of the deal perplexed by the efforts of Israel & Aipac to derail the deal. Plus general economic fears these days too.
It could also be the case that AA had wanted to move the PHL-TLV route to NYC or ORD but figured out they couldn't fill the seats.